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Time of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Did Tesla detect ancient alien signals? Some called it proof of life beyond earth. Black Knight mystery decoded
The Black Knight satellite myth claims that a mysterious object—possibly of alien origin—has been orbiting Earth for 13,000 years. This theory combines a mix of unrelated events, including Nikola Tesla's early radio experiments, unexplained radio echoes, and misidentified space debris. The legend gained momentum in 1998 when NASA's STS-88 mission captured photos of a dark object in orbit, which UFO enthusiasts labeled the Black Knight. However, NASA and experts later confirmed it was a lost thermal blanket from the mission. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Origins in Early Radio Experiments Claims of Early Satellites and Government Detection The 1998 STS-88 Incident: Fuel for the Fire Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why the Myth Persists A Misidentified Thermal Blanket For over a century, the legend of the so-called 'Black Knight satellite' has intrigued conspiracy theorists and sparked widespread speculation. Believed by some to be a 13,000-year-old alien spacecraft orbiting Earth, the story has blended scientific anomalies, historical misunderstandings, and space mission photographs to create a myth that refuses to foundation of the Black Knight myth can be traced back to 1899, when inventor Nikola Tesla detected unusual radio signals while experimenting in Colorado Springs. Some believed he had intercepted alien transmissions, but modern scientists largely attribute these signals to natural causes or Earth-based later, in 1927, Norwegian amateur radio operator Jørgen Hals observed long-delayed radio echoes—a phenomenon still not fully understood but believed to be atmospheric or ionospheric in nature. These unexplained signals were later tied into the growing lore of mysterious objects and alien 1954, retired Air Force major and UFO proponent Donald Keyhoe claimed that the U.S. military had detected two artificial satellites in orbit—years before Sputnik's launch in 1957. However, no solid evidence ever supported these statements. Further confusion came in 1960, when Time magazine reported the U.S. Navy's detection of a 'dark object' in space. Initially thought to be a Soviet satellite, it was soon identified as a piece of the American Discoverer 8 satellite, part of the classified CORONA spy satellite modern surge in interest around the Black Knight satellite followed NASA's STS-88 mission in 1998. As astronauts conducted a spacewalk to assemble parts of the International Space Station, photographs captured a black, oddly shaped object floating near Earth. These images quickly circulated online, labeled by some as visual proof of the legendary alien astronauts on that mission—particularly Jerry Ross—confirmed that the object was a thermal insulation blanket that had accidentally come loose. NASA catalogued it as space object 025570, and it re-entered Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated within days. Former NASA engineer and space historian James Oberg, who worked on the STS-88 trajectory team, has publicly explained that the object was mundane and has nothing to do with alien the logical explanations and repeated debunking, the Black Knight myth continues to thrive. Part of the allure lies in its blend of ancient mystery, space-age intrigue, and modern conspiracy culture. The popularity of UFO narratives, recent attention on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), and declassified government documents continue to fuel archaeologist Alice Gorman suggests that some of the fascination is psychological—humans tend to seek patterns and meanings in the unknown. She points out the improbability of a satellite remaining powered and in orbit for 13,000 years without any maintenance, which current human technology cannot scientific terms, the so-called Black Knight satellite is simply debris from a space mission—specifically a lost thermal blanket. These blankets are used to insulate spacecraft from the extreme temperatures of space. During the STS-88 spacewalk, one of these covers drifted away and was later photographed, leading to widespread thousands of pieces of space debris orbit Earth. Agencies track them to avoid collisions with satellites or manned spacecraft. While tools like radar, telescopes, and even experimental cleanup technologies are in development, the problem of debris—often mistaken for something more exotic—remains a Black Knight satellite is not an ancient alien relic but a modern myth stitched together from decades of unrelated events, misunderstood science, and internet-fueled imagination. As intriguing as the story is, scientific evidence consistently points to a more grounded explanation—one that doesn't involve extraterrestrial visitors.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
The mystery of the 'Black Night' : An alien ship orbiting the Earth?
For decades, the legend of the so-called Black Knight satellite has interested conspiracy theorists and also made the general public inquisitive about the alleged alien spacecraft in a near-polar orbit for over 13,000 years. The tale has previously surfaced in online forums and tabloids, and drawn attention by misinterpreted photos and mysterious radio echoes. Yet, beneath the myth lies a straightforward, well-documented explanation. While human curiosity advances on unsolved mysteries, science actually wants proven evidence to make anything a reality. So, how did these stories come to the surface? The Black Knight satellite theory involves unrelated stories, dating back over a century. It begins with Nikola Tesla, a famous Serbian-American engineer, futurist, and inventor who is well known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system. In 1899, he picked up weird radio signals in Colorado Springs. Some thought he'd intercepted alien transmissions, but scientists now believe these were natural radio waves or equipment interference. In 1927, amateur radio operator Jørgen Hals recorded long-delayed echoes, another curious but terrestrial phenomenon. Then, in 1954, UFO promoter Donald Keyhoe claimed the US Air Force detected two satellites orbiting Earth, and this happened decades before Sputnik. Later, a 1960 Time magazine article described a 'dark object' picked up by the Navy. But it was soon identified as debris from the US Discoverer spy satellite The infamous 1998 photo The modern legend ignited in 1998, when astronauts aboard STS-88, the first shuttle mission to assemble the ISS, snapped images of a strange dark object floating against Earth's blue backdrop, according to It was then that it was labeled the Black Knight. But those familiar with the mission knew better, astronaut Jerry Ross later explained, 'Jerry, one of the thermal covers got away from you,' as a thermal insulation blanket became untethered during a spacewalk, says That same object was cataloged by NASA as object 025570 and re-entered Earth's atmosphere just days later. According to NASA documentation, the STS-88 crew attached four thermal covers to protect module components; one simply floated away during the EVA. Why does the myth still persist? Even after the debunking, the Black Knight myth still lives on. It taps into our fascination with alien intelligence, secret conspiracies, and the unknown. With recent interest in UAPs and declassified government reports, public curiosity remains high. Alice Gorman, a space archaeologist, said in an episode of Ologies with Alie Ward, that 'There are things that have a catalogue number, but we don't actually know what they are... it's likely that they're seeing an optical illusion.' she says that it's illogical that a supposed 13,000-year-old satellite would remain powered and in orbit without maintenance—something our current technology can't achieve.
